Jeremiah 41:8

Jeremiah 41:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, “Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!” So he refrained from killing them with the others.

King James Version KJV

But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.

American Standard Version ASV

But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But there were ten men among them who said to Ishmael, Do not put us to death, for we have secret stores, in the country, of grain and oil and honey. So he did not put them to death with their countrymen.

Free Bible Version FBV

But ten of them pleaded with Ishmael, “Don't kill us! We've got some good things hidden in the fields—wheat, barley, olive oil, and honey.” So Ishmael didn't kill them along with the others.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But tenne men were founde among them, that saide vnto Ishmael, Slay vs not: for we haue treasures in the fielde, of wheate, and of barley, and of oyle, and of honie: so he stayed, and slew them not among their brethren.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And ten men have been found among them, and they say unto Ishmael, 'Do not put us to death, for we have things hidden in the field — wheat, and barley, and oil, and honey.' And he forbeareth, and hath not put them to death in the midst of their brethren.

World English Bible WEB

But ten men were found among those who said to Ishmael, “Don’t kill us; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey.” So he stopped, and didn’t kill them among their brothers.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But ten men were found among them that said to Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbore, and slew them not among their brethren.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But ten men were found among them, that said to Ismahel: Kill us not: for we have stores in the field, of wheat, and barley, and oil, and honey. And he forbore, and slew them not with their brethren.

Translation for Translators T4T

There were only ten of them whom they ◄spared/did not kill►. They were not killed because they promised to Ishmael that if he allowed them to remain alive, they would bring him lots of wheat and barley and olive oil and honey that they had hidden.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 41:8

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 41:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/עֲשָׂרָ֨ה אֲנָשִׁ֜ים נִמְצְאוּ בָ֗/ם וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ אֶל יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ אַל תְּמִתֵ֔/נוּ כִּֽי יֶשׁ לָ֤/נוּ מַטְמֹנִים֙ בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה חִטִּ֥ים וּ/שְׂעֹרִ֖ים וְ/שֶׁ֣מֶן וּ/דְבָ֑שׁ וַ/יֶּחְדַּ֕ל וְ/לֹ֥א הֱמִיתָ֖/ם בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ אֲחֵי/הֶֽם

וַ/עֲשָׂרָ֨ה ʻeser H6235 ten Conj | Adj

אֲנָשִׁ֜ים ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

נִמְצְאוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

בָ֗/ם Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 Ishmael N-proper

אַל ʼal H408 not Part

תְּמִתֵ֔/נוּ mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

יֶשׁ yêsh H3426 there Part

לָ֤/נוּ Prep | Suff

מַטְמֹנִים֙ maṭmôwn H4301 treasure N-mp

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms

חִטִּ֥ים chiṭṭâh H2406 wheat N-fp

וּ/שְׂעֹרִ֖ים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 barley Conj | N-fp

וְ/שֶׁ֣מֶן shemen H8081 oil Conj | N-ms

וּ/דְבָ֑שׁ dᵉbash H1706 honey Conj | N-ms

וַ/יֶּחְדַּ֕ל châdal H2308 to cease Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

הֱמִיתָ֖/ם mûwth H4191 to die V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff

בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

אֲחֵי/הֶֽם ʼâch H251 brother N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 41:8

וַ/עֲשָׂרָ֨ה ʻeser H6235 "ten" Conj | Adj

This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.

אֲנָשִׁ֜ים ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

נִמְצְאוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

בָ֗/ם "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יֹּאמְר֤וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ Yishmâʻêʼl H3458 "Ishmael" N-proper

Ishmael means God will hear, and refers to Abraham's son with Hagar, as well as several other Israelites. He is mentioned in Genesis and Ezra. Ishmael is considered the progenitor of the Arabian peoples.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.22 § Ishmael = "God will hear" 1) son of Abraham and Sarah's handmaid Hagar and the progenitor of the Arabian peoples 2) son of Nethaniah and the murderer of Gedaliah 3) a Benjamite, one of the sons of Azel a descendant of Saul through Meribbaal or Mephibosheth 4) a Judaite, father of Zebadiah 5) a Judaite, son of Johanan and one of the captains who aided Jehoiada in restoring Joash to the throne 6) a priest of the family of Pashur with a foreign wife whom he was forced to put away by Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Ishmael. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Chronicles 19:11; Jeremiah 40:8.

אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part

Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.

Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.

תְּמִתֵ֔/נוּ mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

יֶשׁ yêsh H3426 "there" Part

This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.

Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.

לָ֤/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

מַטְמֹנִים֙ maṭmôwn H4301 "treasure" N-mp

Matmon refers to a hidden treasure or secret storehouse, often containing valuable items like money. It is translated as hidden riches or treasure in the Bible. This word is used to describe something of great value that is kept secret or hidden away.

Definition: hidden treasure, treasure

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: hidden riches, (hid) treasure(-s). See also: Genesis 43:23; Proverbs 2:4; Isaiah 45:3.

בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms

A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)

Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

חִטִּ֥ים chiṭṭâh H2406 "wheat" N-fp

This word means wheat, whether the plant or the grain. It is used in the Bible to describe fields of wheat, like those in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) wheat 1a) wheat (plant) 1b) wheat flour Aramaic equivalent: chin.tah (חִנְטָה "wheat" H2591)

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: wheat(-en). See also: Genesis 30:14; 1 Chronicles 21:23; Psalms 81:17.

וּ/שְׂעֹרִ֖ים sᵉʻôrâh H8184 "barley" Conj | N-fp

This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.

Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.

וְ/שֶׁ֣מֶן shemen H8081 "oil" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.

Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.

וּ/דְבָ֑שׁ dᵉbash H1706 "honey" Conj | N-ms

In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.

Definition: honey

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.

וַ/יֶּחְדַּ֕ל châdal H2308 "to cease" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.

Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off

Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

הֱמִיתָ֖/ם mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff

בְּ/ת֥וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

אֲחֵי/הֶֽם ʼâch H251 "brother" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 41:8

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 41:8 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 41:8
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:8
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Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 41:8
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Sermons on Jeremiah 41:8

Context — The Murder of Gedaliah

6And Ishmael son of Nethaniah went out from Mizpah to meet them, weeping as he went. When Ishmael encountered the men, he said, “Come to Gedaliah son of Ahikam.” 7And when they came into the city, Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the men with him slaughtered them and threw them into a cistern.

8But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, “Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!” So he refrained from killing them with the others.

9Now the cistern into which Ishmael had thrown all the bodies of the men he had struck down along with Gedaliah was a large one that King Asa had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel. Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the slain. 10Then Ishmael took captive all the remnant of the people of Mizpah—the daughters of the king along with all the others who remained in Mizpah—over whom Nebuzaradan captain of the guard had appointed Gedaliah son of Ahikam. Ishmael son of Nethaniah took them captive and set off to cross over to the Ammonites.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Job 2:4	“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life.
2	Proverbs 13:8	Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat.
3	Philippians 3:7–9	But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
4	Psalms 49:6–8	They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice,
5	Matthew 16:26	What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
6	Isaiah 45:3	I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.
7	Matthew 6:25	Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
8	Mark 8:36–37	What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Jeremiah 41:8 Summary

This verse, Jeremiah 41:8, tells us that even in difficult and desperate situations, God can provide a way of escape or preservation. The ten men in this story were able to save their lives by offering Ishmael treasure they had hidden away, which teaches us about the importance of being prepared and trusting in God's providence, as seen in Matthew 25:1-13 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. However, this should not lead us to trust in our own resources, but rather in God's sovereignty and care for us, as demonstrated in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God and using the resources He has given us, we can find hope and preservation, even in the midst of chaos, and bring glory to His name, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and 1 Peter 4:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ishmael spare the lives of the ten men in Jeremiah 41:8?

Ishmael spared their lives because they offered him treasure, including wheat, barley, oil, and honey, which they had hidden in the field, as stated in Jeremiah 41:8. This act was likely motivated by self-interest, as seen in other biblical accounts where people's actions are driven by personal gain, such as in Judges 9:4.

What can we learn from the actions of the ten men in this verse?

The actions of the ten men in Jeremiah 41:8 teach us that even in desperate situations, we can find ways to preserve our lives by using the resources God has given us, much like the wisdom displayed in Proverbs 10:5. However, this should not be seen as a justification for selfishness, but rather as a demonstration of God's providence, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Jeremiah 41?

Jeremiah 41:8 is part of a larger narrative that describes the aftermath of Gedaliah's assassination and the capture of the remaining people of Mizpah, as seen in Jeremiah 41:1-10. This verse highlights the desperation and chaos that characterized this period, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:47-48.

What does this verse reveal about human nature?

The actions of Ishmael and the ten men in Jeremiah 41:8 reveal the self-preservation and desperation that can characterize human nature, especially in times of crisis, as seen in other biblical accounts such as 2 Kings 6:24-31. This serves as a reminder of our need for God's redemption and the importance of trusting in Him, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Romans 5:8.

Reflection Questions

What are some 'hidden treasures' in my life that I can use to bring hope and preservation to those around me, and how can I use them to glorify God?
In what ways can I trust God's providence and care for me, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, as seen in Jeremiah 41:8 and Psalm 23:4?
How can I balance my desire for self-preservation with my responsibility to love and serve others, as demonstrated in Matthew 22:37-40 and Philippians 2:3-4?
What are some ways that I can use my resources and talents to bring life and hope to those around me, and how can I use them to advance God's kingdom, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Ephesians 4:11-13?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 41:8

But ten men were found among them, that said unto Ishmael, slay us not,.... They begged for their lives, using what follows as an argument to prevail upon him: for we have treasures in the field, of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 41:8

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:8

He slew seventy of them, but ten of them pleading for their lives, urged that they had estates in the country, both of corn, oil, and honey. His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty, he spared their lives to become master of what they had.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:8

Jeremiah 41:8 But ten men were found among them that said unto Ishmael, Slay us not: for we have treasures in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So he forbare, and slew them not among their brethren.Ver. 8. But there were ten men found among them.] Qui miro astu sibi ab indigna morte provident, who pleaded for their lives, were spared. Slay us not, for we have treasures in the field.] And these we will willingly part with for the redemption of our lives. They knew that soldiers would do much for money, and what is wealth in comparison with life? Wicked worldlings would say the like to death, if their tale might be heard. Henry Beaufort, Cardinal, Bishop of Winchester, and Chancellor of England, in the reign of Henry VI, perceiving that he must die, murmured at death, that his riches could not reprieve him till a further time. So he forbare, and slew them not.] Ambition covetousness strove for mastery in this man, and here covetousness conquereth cruelty. This also was it that put him upon carrying his poor countrymen captive, as hoping to make prize of them. Foxe’ s Mart., vol. i. p. 925

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:8

(8) But ten men were found among them.—The stores which formed the purchase-money by which the ten saved their lives represented probably the produce of the previous year, which, after the manner of the East, had been concealed in pits, far from the habitations of men, while the land was occupied by the Chaldæan armies.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 41:8

8. we have stores hidden] In the East it is to this day a common custom to use “wells or cisterns for grain. In them the farmers store their crops of all kinds after the grain is threshed and winnowed. These cisterns are cool, perfectly dry, and tight. The top is hermetically sealed with plaster, and covered with a deep bed of earth.” See Thomson, The Land and the Book, pp. 509 f.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 41:8

Treasures - Hidden stores; which would be of great value to Ishmael in his retreat back to Baalis.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 41:8

8. Treasures — In Isaiah 45:3, the same original word is translated “hid den riches.” Doubtless at this troublous and dangerous time the practice of concealing the choicest products of the earth in

Sermons on Jeremiah 41:8

	Sermon	Description
	Letters to Olympias - Part 1 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom addresses the deaconess Olympias, encouraging her to endure suffering with patience and faith. He reminds her of the trials faced by Job and Lazarus, emphasizing th
	The Pathway of the Cross by Jessie Penn-Lewis	Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the necessity of experiencing the Cross subjectively to bear fruit in the Christian life, illustrating that true fellowship with Christ involves dying
	1 Peter 3:10 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the importance of loving life through righteous living as outlined in 1 Peter 3:10. He explains that true love for life involves avoiding evil, doing good, and
	Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman	James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t
	Prevailing Pleas, or the Hope and Savior of Israel by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot preaches about the prophet Jeremiah's heartfelt plea to God, questioning why He seems distant and unable to save, amidst the deep sin and idolatry of Judah and Jerusal
	Learning to Be a Minister by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about John Wesley and his commitment to spending time with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dedic
	Apostleship - Part 1 by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of missions and the willingness to face opposition and even death for the sake of spreading the word of God. He refers to the